Activities for Seniors
Save time with 1000s of activity ideas & helpful resources. Plan and implement activity programs that are stimulating, relevant, and suit a wide range of needs and interests.
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8 Ways to to Encourage Friendships Among Residents
Socialization with peers is imperative for healthy aging. In this article we provide some tips for article provides some ideas for helping residents connect and form friendships with one another.
Articles Coronavirus: Covid-19 421 01 Comment New Member Activity
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Pot Luck Quiz 15
Another pot luck quiz to enjoy!
Quiz * December Anytime * 6 12 Comments New Member Activity
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Pot Luck Quiz 14
Try you luck in this general knowledge quiz!
Quiz 11 2New Member Activity
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Life in Lockdown Poems
Here are two lockdown poems to share.
Poetry 11 3New Member Activity
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Funny Short Stories #10
Some more funny short stories to share!
Short Stories Jokes 23 4New Member Activity
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Optical Illusion Fun #2
I have put together a series of optical illusions to be used on ZOOM. Our clients really enjoyed seeing things from a different perspective! Enjoy :)
Riddles Quiz World Creativity and Innovation Week 383 54 Comments New Member Activity
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2 Gentle Exercise Routines
Here are 2 genle exercise routines to enjoy with residents.
Exercise 26 61 Comment New Member Activity
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25 Ways to Show Gratitude To Volunteers
It takes a lot of dedicated help to serve your Activities department, and your residents, well. Here are a few ideas for expressing your appreciation for their efforts
Articles Volunteering Coronavirus: Covid-19 465 7New Member Activity
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Guess the Christmas Carols
This pictorial quiz of guessing the names of popular Christmas Carols is a fun game and reminiscing activity!
Quiz Christmas 385 83 Comments New Member Activity
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Cwtch Poem - A Welsh Cuddle
The best saying in Welsh has to be cwtch. It means to cuddle/hug but has much more affectionate connotations and loving undertones when you cwtch a loved one.
1 9New Member Activity
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BBC Reminiscence Archive
This archive provides access to a selection of content from the BBC Archives, designed to support reminiscence therapy.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Reminiscing 304 103 Comments New Member Activity
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British Mammals Word Search
A British mammals themed word search. Forward and backward words only
Word Search England 89 11New Member Activity
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James Bond Films - Visual Quiz
Bond - James Bond
Reminiscing 86 12New Member Activity
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7 Ways to Celebrate the US Presidential Election
The 2020 United States presidential election is scheduled for November 3. The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown many aspects of the race into uncertainty, making it one of the most unconventional election races in history. Why not mark the occasion with some fun election themed decorations and activities!
USA 831 13New
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Presidential Election Word Search
A presidential election themed word search!
USA Word Search 391 142 Comments New
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US Presidents Quiz
Test your knowledge of Presidents of American presidents!
USA Quiz 533 15New
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Reveal A Picture Guessing Game
I make this game using Power Point. Hope you can find some use for it as well. Good luck and God bless!
Games Happy Hour 810 1613 Comments Member Activity
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Daily Devotion
This is a daily devotion service you can offer your residents. I do mine daily M-F and it takes only 5-10 minutes.
Sensory 601 171 Comment Member Activity
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Words Starting with BAL or CAR Quiz
All the answers to this quiz start with BAL or CAR.
Quiz Words That Start With 546 181 Comment Member Activity
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Armchair Travel to Egypt
This comprehensive armchair travel activity includes everything you need for a full day of travel to EGYPT! Fact files, trivia, quizzes, music, food, posters, craft and more! We hope you enjoy the EGYPT travelog!
Multicultural Armchair Travel Egypt 856 192 Comments
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Egypt Fact File
An attractive one-page fact file all about Egypt. Print, distribute and discuss!
Multicultural Egypt 334 20
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16 Snippets of Ancient Egypt Trivia
Here are some fascinating facts about Egypt!
Egypt Trivia 311 212 Comments
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Egypt Quiz II
Another Egypt themed quiz to enjoy!
Egypt Quiz 277 22
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Egypt Landmark Posters
Posters of famous landmarks in Egypt!
Egypt Posters 80 23
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Egypt Travel Posters
Posters of famous tourist destinations in Egypt!
Egypt Posters 67 24
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Egypt Bunting Templates
Egypt Bunting templates for an Egyptian party!
Egypt 39 25
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Egypt Quiz I
Test your knowledge of ancient Egypt with this fun quiz!
Egypt Quiz 323 26
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Anagram Quiz #6
Rearrange letters to make another word
Quiz Word Games 1171 276 Comments Member Activity
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Newsletter Template - November 2020
Here is a newsletter template for November 2020 in WORD format. So easy to edit and customize!
Forms & Templates * November Anytime * 1143 286 Comments
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6 Funny Places to Visit on the Internet
The internet is a weird place and while it can feel like the wild, wild, west, sometimes the internet is downright hilarious. Here are some funny comments and photos from the internet that could be a good addition to your next humor club.
Coronavirus: Covid-19 Jokes * November Anytime * 1260 29
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Words Ending with AGE
The answers to this quiz all end with the letters AGE!
Quiz Words That Start With * November Anytime * 1070 30
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Name That Show Visual Quiz
A powerpoint presentation including many of our favorite television programs of the past. Useful for ZOOM programming; share your screen with your clients and have them guess the name of the tv show.
Quiz Reminiscing 1610 3110 Comments Member Activity
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English Words of Arabic Origins
Say the words or write them on a whiteboard. Ask residents to define the words and say what each word is used for or good for.
Egypt Multicultural Trivia 214 32
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Target Golf
Very popular with my golfers for putting! Super simple activity, my clients loved decorating the box and then using it for putting practice!
Exercise For Men Hobby Clubs Games DIY Activities International Men's Day 496 332 Comments Member Activity
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DIY Coloured Sand Bottles
This activity was enjoyed by our residents, and bought back memories of going to the beach. It can get a bit messy but the end result is fantastic. It is a two sessioned activity.
Craft DIY Activities 138 34Member Activity
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4 Cozy Drink Recipes
Here are four drinks that you can try in a taste testing event or pass out one option each week of the month. Don’t feel like you have to stick with the names of the drinks either; you can tweak each one to match your community.
Cooking * November Anytime * Autumn (Northern Hemisphere) Winter - Northern Hemisphere 490 351 Comment
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Sleepytime Social
Did you know that November is Sleep Comfort Month? Here is an idea for a Sleeptime Social that you could throw for your residents that will help them feel pampered and prepared to have a restful night.
* November Anytime * 345 36
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12 Ideas For a Veterans Day Ceremony
Veterans Day is November 11 and an excellent time to honor residents who have served in the military. Your celebration at your community can be as simple or as extravagant as you would like.
Veterans Day 478 37
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17 Great Manhood Quotes
Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of choice. - Edwin Louise Cole
Poetry International Men's Day 399 38
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6 Ways to Celebrate International Men's Day
Here are some ideas for celebrating International Men's Day in November.
International Men's Day 339 39
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It Happened in November Quiz
This quiz is all about things relating to November. It includes historical events and trivia. It's tricky and informative and will promote much discussion!
Quiz * November Anytime * 712 40
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Alternative Names Quiz
What are other names these are known by? How many do you know?
Quiz Word Games * November Anytime * 1518 41
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Cryptic Alphabet Quiz
The answer to each of the following questions sound the same as a single letter of the alphabet. For example: A flying insect = B (bee). Lots of fun!
Quiz 569 422 Comments Member Activity
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DIY Terracotta Wind Chimes
Lovely and easy do-it-yourself terracotta / clay pot wind chimes!
Craft Intergenerational DIY Activities 169 432 Comments Member Activity
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Banners for Birthdays and Guests
I make a welcome banners every morning to receive all our customers attending our program. I also make them banners for birthdays and all other events, and welcome banners for guests with their group names. These are all shown on an overhead projector that is connected to a computer (we have great IT).
102 443 Comments Member Activity
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Grammar Quiz 1
Here is a reminiscing quiz for those who enjoyed English grammar at school. Grab a pen and put on your thinking hat!
Quiz * November Anytime * 849 45
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Analogies Quiz
Copmlete the analogies in this quiz!
Quiz Word Games * November Anytime * 1038 46
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Folk Songs Guessing Game and Singalong
I found YouTube videos for 16 folk songs. For each song I found a piano version, without the words, that can be listened to and the residents can try to guess what the name of the song is. Once they name the song there is another video that is the same song with the lyrics for the residents to sing along with.
Music Reminiscing 377 474 Comments Member Activity
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3-Minute Seated Exercise
3 minute exercise for feet (ankles) and hands (wrists, palms to the front)
275 483 Comments Member Activity
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Singalong - Two Little Girls in Blue
It's surprising what you can do when there's a story to the song. You can sing this little song or you can recite it.
Music 156 492 Comments Member Activity
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Free Activity Calendar for Seniors
You can now add Daily Schedules, Icons, and Print at a variety of sizes! This easy to edit activity calendar can be pre-filled with upcoming events and celebration ideas for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. A perfect resource for activity coordinators working with the elderly.
Forms & Templates Articles 81866 0119 Comments
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20 Practical Activities for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease
20 activities for the elderly with dementia. The following ideas may be used on a one-to-one basis and others may be suitable for small groups depending on their abilities. These dementia activities are designed to promote and maintain existing skills.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Articles 37241 165 Comments
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Words in Words Game
This game is very popular! It provides mental stimulation, social interaction and promotion of self-worth.
Word Games 30382 272 Comments
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The Price is Right Game
This is such a fun game! Residents will love reminiscing about the price of groceries in a social setting.
Games Alzheimer's & Dementia 28454 354 Comments
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Things that go Together Quiz
There are two ways to play this game. Great for people living with dementia!
Quiz Alzheimer's & Dementia Coronavirus: Covid-19 25537 435 Comments
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How To Structure Reminiscing Sessions For Seniors
Reminiscing with the elderly is a wonderful way to validate the lives of individuals and provide seniors with a sense of purpose, especially those living with dementia. Reminiscing activities also encourage social interaction and promote interpersonal skills.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Articles 23327 530 Comments
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Games for People Living with Dementia
Adapting and modifying games for seniors is necessary for all sorts of different reasons. As well as for those living with dementia, games need to be modified for those who use wheelchairs and those with impaired vision or sensory loss.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Games Articles 21353 639 Comments
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6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly
Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!
Articles Games Word Games Happy Hour Coronavirus: Covid-19 21308 730 Comments
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Balloon Games
Gentle exercise for the arms as well as an opportunity to socialize! Great for game for the elderly. Also suitable for people living with dementia.
Exercise Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 20882 865 Comments
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School Days Reminiscing Cards
This is a wonderful game that can be adapted to any occasion. Residents will enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia World Teachers Day 20552 927 Comments
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Bucket of Bean Bags Game
This simple and fun game promotes friendships and physical activity!
Exercise Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 19403 1017 Comments
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Finish the Sayings and Proverbs Game
This fun and simple game is great for seniors including people living with dementia. Includes well known sayings, idioms and proverbs that they will remember from their past.
Word Games Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Happy Hour Coronavirus: Covid-19 19320 1135 Comments
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Musical Bingo
Musical Bingo improves recall and provides opportunities to reminisce. It is also an enjoyable and sociable game. This game was created by a Music Therapist I worked with and it was very popular in our Dementia Care Unit. If you don't have time to put the game together, ask a volunteer to help you. All you need is a computer, a printer and a laminator. This activity includes downloadable song cards and calling cards.
Music Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Bingo International Music Day World Music Day 18605 1212 Comments
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10 Activities to Make Seniors Laugh
Instilling a culture of humor and laughter into long-term care facilities is good for everyone and may even improve the overall functioning and well-being of your clients. It is important to incorporate funny and amusing activities into your regular program that cater to all tastes.
Jokes Articles 18371 1317 Comments
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Songs for Seniors Quiz
Here is an over 80s song list. It includes lyrics to over 80 popular songs from yesteryear to enjoy in a sing-along. Sing the first line, and then ask residents to sing the next line!
Music Quiz Coronavirus: Covid-19 International Music Day World Music Day 18202 1486 Comments Member Activity
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Sample Activities Calendars
Sample monthly and weekly activity calendars for activity coordinators working in nursing homes. I know from experience that when i first started at a rest home I was thrown in the deep end, and I just thought by sharing this it may help out a newbie to develop their activities program. This is a wonderful resource to help you plan ahead. Thanks to everyone who has shared their calendar.
Forms & Templates 18061 1542 Comments Member Activity
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Difficult Behaviour Care Plan 1
Anna is a 79 year old lady living with 2nd stage dementia. She seems to understand what staff say but is very slow to respond. She is restless most of the day, sitting for only minutes at time...
Care Plans 17512 1634 Comments
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Recycled Dream Spring Tree
Celebrate spring at your nursing home by making a gorgeous dream tree composed of spring flowers and blossoms!
Craft Colouring Spring (Southern Hemisphere) Spring (Northern Hemisphere) Summer (Southern Hemisphere) Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 17179 1756 Comments
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Free Music Playlists for the Elderly
Music has been proven to be very beneficial for the elderly in long term care, particularly those living with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. Here are some wonderful free playlists of famous songs from the 40s, 50s & 60s!
Music Articles 17098 1828 Comments
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How to write a Care Plan
The documentation process varies from facility to facility but there are usually three important steps to follow.
Care Plans Articles 16285 1920 Comments
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Spot the Differences Contest
Have some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest! This is a great group activity for seniors!
Games Spot the Difference Colouring Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) * August Activities * * September Anytime * 15728 2018 Comments
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Read Aloud Activities for the Elderly
For the elderly who loved to read all their lives, listening to someone read to them can bring profound comfort and joy. Why not start a Read-Aloud Readers Group activity at your facility; a Book Club with a difference! Read-aloud activities are an intervention well worth pursuing.
Articles Reminiscing Hobby Clubs Coronavirus: Covid-19 World Read Aloud Day 15421 2125 Comments
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15 uplifting activities for people with limited mobility
Elderly people who are confined to bed for long periods of time because of diagnosis or frailty often experience severe mood swings. They get tired of sitting or lying down, become bored with life and miss social contact with others.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia One-on-One 15301 2220 Comments
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Care Plan Goals & Interventions
Learn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies extracted from resident care plans.
Articles Care Plans 14955 2312 Comments
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Dementia Program - Weekly
This sample program is for acute Dementia care. Some people like to do it weekly, others monthly. Download the form and adjust it to suit you.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Forms & Templates 14885 2410 Comments
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50 Activities for the Elderly in Lockdown and Isolation
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing chaos worldwide and this is a hard time for so many. We need to hang in there - these crazy times will pass. Here are some in-room activitiy ideas for residents to enjoy while in isolation.
Articles Coronavirus: Covid-19 14878 2527 Comments
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15 Activities for Loners and Introverted Seniors
Most long term care facilities have some residents who are ‘loners’ or ‘introverts’; they enjoy being in their bedrooms and do not often pursue interaction with others.
Articles One-on-One 14434 2629 Comments
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Armchair Travel: A Sensory Experience for Seniors
Armchair Travel takes people to faraway places without leaving home. It provides a sensory experience and the opportunity to learn about exotic lands and important past events in a meaningful manner. This is a wonderful activity for seniors living in nursing homes and suitable for people with dementia.
Articles Multicultural Alzheimer's & Dementia New Zealand Reminiscing Colouring Armchair Travel Coronavirus: Covid-19 14330 2736 Comments
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Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Care
Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of the senses such as taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Sensory stimulation is a key component for improving the quality of life of people living with dementia.
Articles Sensory Alzheimer's & Dementia 14063 2815 Comments
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Indigenous Australian Dot Paintings
Indigenous Australians use plant shoots, Echidna quills and small twigs to paint their Dreamtime stories. Here are 12 Dot Painting Templates to enjoy with the elderly.
Craft Australia Colouring Australia Day NAIDOC Week World Indigenous Day 13857 2913 Comments
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Old Wives Tales #1 - True or False?
Old wives tales are widely held traditional beliefs that are now thought to be unscientific or incorrect. Nevertheless, many old wives tales have been scientifically proven to be true! Can you guess which ones?
Quiz Trivia Happy Hour * November Anytime * 13669 3015 Comments
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Christmas Quiz
Here's a fun Christmas quiz for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Quiz Christmas 13432 316 Comments
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How to Plan Music Activities for Dementia Care
Everyone responds instinctively to music. A person’s ability to engage in music often remains intact far into the advanced stages of dementia. Music triggers certain networks of the brain that benefit people suffering from difficulties with language, cognition, or motor control.
One-on-One Music Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 13112 3210 Comments
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Finish the Song Line Quiz
This quiz can be extended into a good old fashioned sing-a-long! Have fun!
Music Quiz 13099 334 Comments Member Activity
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13 Reminiscing Themes for Seniors
Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and maintain self worth.
Articles Reminiscing 12921 3411 Comments
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Tips for One-on-One Visits with Seniors
It is not uncommon for seniors living in assisted-living facilities to lack mental stimulation and social contact. Recreation Therapists often use one-on-one visits to respond to the needs of those who avoid social settings. There are many enjoyable games and activities that can keep minds and bodies strong and active.
One-on-One Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12747 3515 Comments
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This Day In History For Seniors: August
A reminiscing magazine for every day in August! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!
Short Stories This Day in History Trivia * August Activities * 12664 3626 Comments
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Heart of Kindness
This is a group activity suitable for other celebrations as well, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day.
Craft World Kindness Day Valentine's Day Mothering Sunday (UK) Mothers Day (Australia, NZ, US & Canada) 12534 378 Comments
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Tips for Writing Successful Activity Programs for Senior Care
Designing activity programs for residents in nursing homes and long term care requires creative thinking and enthusiasm. Your main point of reference will be the assessment of your clients.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12476 3816 Comments
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How to motivate residents in long term care
Encouraging the elderly to participate in scheduled activities can be challenging. Lack of engagement is a common problem. It is important that you identify any barriers - whether perceived or real - that might be preventing residents from getting involved.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12440 3930 Comments
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This Day in History for Seniors: September
A reminiscing magazine for every day in September! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!
This Day in History Short Stories Trivia Coronavirus: Covid-19 * September Anytime * 12411 4024 Comments
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Name a Word Quiz #1
Here's a fun word game for Seniors - Name a word starting with the same letter across 10 categories. Answers included!
Quiz Word Games * July Anytime * 12299 414 Comments
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Festive Wall Art Craft
Lovely wall art for all occasions! Video instructions included.
Craft Valentine's Day Easter Halloween 12101 426 Comments Video
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Activities for Men
Men’s activities are challenging! The best way to find meaningful activities for men is to uncover past lifestyle choices and history - you can gather this information from residents and their families. Here are 8 tips for engaging men in meaningful activities.
For Men Articles International Men's Day 12010 437 Comments
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Two Minute Activities for Dementia Care
During your working hours, you will see many clients outside of programmed activities; seize the opportunity and engage with them. It will only take a minute or two and can transform someone's state of mind and lift their spirits more than you can imagine.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 11776 4427 Comments
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Brain Quiz – Guess the Words
Challenge your brain and guess the words that fit these sentences.
Quiz * July Anytime * 11718 452 Comments
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Guessing Game - Who Am I?
This is a wonderful reminiscing activity in a group setting. Guess the names of these famous people from the clues provided.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Games Who Am I 11713 469 Comments
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For Giggles
Short and sweet jokes to share!
Jokes International Joke Day April Fool's Day * March Anytime * 11652 474 Comments
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Creative Thinking Exercises
Creativity is a skill to be developed and cherished. There are endless ways to train and exercise the brain! The following exercises are good practice for creative thinking.
Word Games For Men Riddles Coronavirus: Covid-19 * April Anytime * International Men's Day 11424 4810 Comments
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Scent Guessing
Sensory stimulation with familiar scents. A fun activity for seniors and the elderly living with dementia.
Sensory Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Aromatherapy One-on-One Mothering Sunday (UK) Mothers Day (Australia, NZ, US & Canada) 11206 4928 Comments
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I would like to thank you all for everything you've done to help people like us, giving us the new ideas and confidence to carry on doing what we do. As you must be aware it's not the easiest job in the world, especially trying to get a smile out of someone. I wish you all the possible good wishes for the future and do hope you will continue for many years to come.
Jane Spencer
Activity Provider
United Kingdom
